Chicken Salad Chick is a popular restaurant chain. They are known for their chicken salads. One of their popular side dishes is the broccoli salad. It is creamy and crunchy, making it a favorite for many. If you are watching your calorie intake, you may wonder, how many calories are in Chicken Salad Chick broccoli salad?
In this article, we will explore the calorie content of this salad. We will also discuss its nutritional value, ingredients, and compare it to other side dishes on the menu. Finally, we will offer tips for a healthier version and answer some common FAQs.
What is Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad?
The broccoli salad at Chicken Salad Chick is both savory and sweet. The main ingredient is fresh broccoli, which is well-known for its crunch and nutrition. The salad is mixed with a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise. There is also cheddar cheese added for flavor.
While the dish is delicious, it’s important to note that the mayonnaise and cheese increase the calorie count.
Nutritional Overview of Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad
A 4-ounce serving of Chicken Salad Chick broccoli salad contains the following:
- Calories: 170 calories
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 5g
Most of the calories in this dish come from fat, primarily due to the mayonnaise dressing. Mayonnaise is rich in calories because it contains oil and egg yolks. In contrast, broccoli is low in calories but high in fiber and vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. The addition of cheddar cheese adds both fat and protein to the salad.
If you want to learn more about the health benefits of broccoli, visit Health Benefits of Broccoli.
How Does Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad Compare to Other Dishes?
To better understand the calorie content of the broccoli salad, it’s helpful to compare it to other menu items:
- Original Chicken Salad: 350 calories per serving
- Grape Salad: 220 calories per serving
- Classic Side Salad: 140 calories per serving
The broccoli salad has fewer calories than the Original Chicken Salad but more than the Classic Side Salad. If you want to make a balanced meal, you might consider pairing the broccoli salad with a lower-calorie option.
If you are looking to reduce the calorie content further, you could switch out traditional mayonnaise with healthier alternatives. Check out Low-Calorie Substitutes for Mayonnaise for more ideas.
Macronutrient Breakdown: Fats, Carbohydrates, and Proteins
Fats
A 4-ounce serving of Chicken Salad Chick broccoli salad contains 13 grams of fat. Most of the fat comes from the mayonnaise dressing. Mayonnaise has a lot of fat because it is made with oil. Although the fats in mayonnaise can be good for you in small amounts, it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes when eating high-fat foods.
Carbohydrates
The broccoli salad has 10 grams of carbohydrates, including 3 grams of fiber and 6 grams of sugar. The fiber comes from the broccoli, while the sugar mainly comes from the dressing. Fiber is essential for digestion and helps make the dish more filling.
Protein
The salad contains 5 grams of protein per serving. Most of this protein comes from the cheddar cheese and broccoli. Though this isn’t a large amount of protein, it adds to your daily intake.
For more creative chicken recipes, check out this guide on Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes.
Key Ingredients in Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad
Understanding the ingredients in this dish is crucial to understanding its calorie count:
- Broccoli: Broccoli is a very healthy vegetable. It is low in calories and high in fiber and vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin K. Broccoli also contains antioxidants that fight inflammation.
- Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese is high in fat and calories. It adds flavor but also increases the calorie content.
- Mayonnaise-Based Dressing: The dressing is creamy and rich, but it is also high in fat and calories. Mayonnaise is made with oil and eggs, which contribute to its high calorie count.
If you’re interested in another chicken variation, try this Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli recipe for a healthier option
Making a Healthier, Lower-Calorie Version of Broccoli Salad at Home
If you enjoy the broccoli salad but want a healthier version, you can easily make a lower-calorie version at home. Here are some tips:
- Use Greek yogurt: Replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to lower the fat content. Greek yogurt is high in protein and lower in fat.
- Use low-fat cheese: Switch to a light version of cheddar cheese to reduce fat.
- Increase the broccoli ratio: Add more broccoli and use less cheese and dressing. This increases the fiber and lowers the calorie count.
These simple changes can help you enjoy the dish without the extra calories.
Explore this delicious Chicken Gumbo Sloppy Joes recipe, perfect for a flavorful dinner.
FAQs on Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad
How Many Calories Are in Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad?
A 4-ounce serving of Chicken Salad Chick broccoli salad contains 170 calories. Most of these calories come from the mayonnaise-based dressing and the cheddar cheese.
Is Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad Healthy?
The salad contains healthy ingredients like broccoli, which is high in fiber and vitamins. However, the dressing and cheese increase the calorie and fat content. It can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. If you want a healthier option, try the lower-calorie version mentioned earlier.
What is the Serving Size of Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad?
The standard serving size is 4 ounces, which contains 170 calories. Eating larger portions will increase your calorie intake. For example, 8 ounces of the salad would contain 340 calories.
Can I Make a Healthy Broccoli Salad at Home?
Yes! Making a healthier version at home is easy. Replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, use low-fat cheese, and add more broccoli. These changes will lower the fat and calorie content without losing the flavor.
Conclusion
Chicken Salad Chick’s broccoli salad is a tasty side dish with 170 calories per serving. Most of these calories come from the mayonnaise dressing and cheddar cheese. While broccoli is a nutritious, low-calorie vegetable, the added dressing and cheese make this dish higher in calories.
If you want to enjoy the salad while watching your calorie intake, you can make some easy ingredient swaps. Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and choose low-fat cheese. By doing this, you can still enjoy the salad without the extra calories.
For more information on balancing your macronutrients, visit Understanding Macronutrients to learn how to manage your diet more effectively.